Popcorn ceilings: Oh how I hate you!

In order to get everything set up for my home study, I am working on getting the popcorn off the ceiling. Not that they look at the popcorn on the ceiling but some is coming off of my ceiling. I have worked on the part over my bathroom. It is a nasty job. Why was this type of ceiling ever invented? All I have to do now is finish the rest of my room and then paint it. This is a pain but I know it will be well worth it when it is done. Let me know if you guys have any tricks on making this easier.